Texas Rangers Potential Opening Day Lineup

Now that the Texas Rangers have begun to whittle down their Spring Training roster, we’ll take an updated look at the Opening Day lineup.

The Rangers began the week by optioning a few of their top young players to Round Rock marking the true beginning of the process of reducing the roster to the guys who will be with the big league club come Opening Day.

1. Delino DeShields – CF

DeShields was the leadoff man for the Rangers for a large portion of 2015 and did a solid job with an on-base percentage of .344. A speedy player with base stealing potential, heading into 2016, he makes the most sense to leadoff for Texas on Opening Day.

2. Shin Soo Choo – RF

Choo struggled early in 2015 but bounced back after being taken out of the leadoff position. A good contact hitter with some power, Choo would followup DeShields well by being able to get him in scoring position early on in the order.

3. Prince Fielder – DH

Prince Fielder flourished in the 3rd spot in the order last year posting a .305 average as well as hitting 23 homeruns. He’ll be able to drive in runs at this spot in the order and get on base for the heart of the order.

4. Adrian Beltre – 3B

Beltre makes the most sense as the cleanup hitter for Texas in 2016. He hit 4th in the lineup last year and hit .287 with 18 homeruns. He’s not as consistent as Fielder in the 3 spot, but his ability to drive the ball promises a lot of RBI’s in 2016.

5. Ian Desmond – LF

Ian Desmond is the newest addition to this Rangers lineup and most likely will get the start in left field on Opening Day. He’s a solid hitter with good power. He’ll look to improve upon his 2015 struggles in his new setting in Arlington.

6. Mitch Moreland – 1B

Mitch Moreland in the 6 hole acts as a jumpstarted for the back end of the order. He hit .278 in 2015 and led the Rangers in homers with 23. He’s pretty good at getting on base and keeps the lineup threatening throughout the order.

7. Elvis Andrus – SS

Elvis Andrus has stayed a consistent .260 hitter throughout his career and 2016 promises nothing different. He’s a solid hitter to have hitting 7th in the order because of his ability to get on base.

8. Robinson Chirinos – C

Robinson Chirinos is probably the overall weak spot in this order which is why he’s hidden in the 8 hole. He hit .232 in 2015 but had a .325 on-base percentage which is a promising factor.

9. Rougned Odor – 2B

Odor has the potential to be one of the best hitters in this lineup in 2016 which is why he’s effectively a second leadoff batter in the 9 hole. He’ll provide a spark in the order just prior to the top of the lineup reaching the batter’s box.

Starter: Cole Hamels – LHP

Cole Hamels is the undisputed, current ace of this Rangers rotation with Yu Darvish out until at least May. He’s a consistent pitcher that’s going to give you the opportunity to win every time he hits the mound.

Comment below if you agree or disagree with this lineup. Let us know who you think should get the start on Opening Day.

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